The NC additional general secretary said he was a staunch India loyalist and his words earlier were misconstrued and reported out of context. He said he belonged to a family of nationalists who have contributed greatly to the state of Jammu and Kashmir and India so his intentions should not be questioned.

"I am pained and hurt that the media has projected me as an anti-national and accused me of sedition. It hurts me, it saddens me. My history is known to everyone. My family's legacy and my political career of several decades is testimony of my credentials and today you call Dr Mustafa Kamal an anti-national," Kamal said.

"It deeply hurts me. What I said has been blown out of context. I had suggested that India and Pakistan must sit together and settle the issue amicably because it affects the people of Jammu and Kashmir. I have great regard for my country India and the Indian National Congress and shall never ever work against the two. It is beyond my comprehension to do so. Rahul Gandhi and Omar Abdullah have ushered a new chapter in the National Conference and Congress relationship," he added.

The brother of Union Minister Farooq Abdullah said, "For heaven's sake at this age and stage of life don't accuse me of something that is not in my grain and blood. Abdullahs live by the legacy of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and Sheikh Sahib was a great nationalist and I am proud of that legacy."

Further, speaking about Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Kamal sidestepped his nephew's Twitter jibe at him and said he would continue to support him and the party.

"I am committed to strengthen National Conference and Congress alliance in the state and I am with my brother's son and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. I have great regard to my country and the Congress," he said.

Kamal had earlier said India was the enemy and not Pakistan when it comes to dealing with key issues in Jammu and Kashmir. His comment drew much flak for both him and the Omar government. His retraction was seen as an attempt to douse the damage done over the last few days.